Who Vacated UFC Featherweight Title: A Look Back at the Eventful Title Vacancy
The UFC featherweight division has seen its fair share of drama and excitement over the years, and one of the most memorable moments was when the title was vacated. The vacant title created a stir in the MMA community, as fans and fighters alike awaited the next champion to emerge. In this article, we will take a closer look at the circumstances surrounding the vacated UFC featherweight title and the impact it had on the division.
The UFC featherweight title was vacated by then-champion Jose Aldo, who had been the dominant force in the division for several years. Aldo, known for his unparalleled skill set and record-breaking reign, was forced to vacate the title due to a medical suspension. The Brazilian fighter was suspended for failing a drug test following his fight against Conor McGregor in December 2015. The suspension came as a shock to many, as Aldo had been a beacon of clean competition in the UFC.
The news of Aldo’s suspension and title vacature sent ripples through the featherweight division. Aldo’s absence left a void that many fighters were eager to fill. The Brazilian had held the title for a remarkable 10 consecutive defenses, making him one of the greatest champions in UFC history. With Aldo out of the picture, the door was open for other contenders to step up and claim the throne.
One of the fighters who benefited from Aldo’s title vacature was Frankie Edgar. Edgar, a former lightweight champion, made the move up to the featherweight division and quickly became a fan favorite. The former champion faced off against Chad Mendes for the vacant title at UFC 189, and after a thrilling five-round battle, Edgar emerged victorious, regaining the featherweight championship.
The title vacature also paved the way for new blood in the division. Many rising stars, such as Max Holloway, Dustin Poirier, and Alexander Volkanovski, took advantage of the opportunity to compete for the title. Holloway, in particular, has been a standout performer in the featherweight division, becoming the youngest champion in UFC history with his win over Poirier at UFC 215.
The vacated UFC featherweight title has had a lasting impact on the division. It allowed for new champions to emerge and gave fighters like Holloway the platform to showcase their talents. While Aldo’s reign may have come to an end, his legacy in the featherweight division remains strong. The vacant title served as a catalyst for change, bringing fresh faces and new excitement to the featherweight division.
In conclusion, the vacated UFC featherweight title was a pivotal moment in the history of the division. It not only highlighted the importance of clean competition but also allowed for new champions to rise and new stars to shine. The legacy of Jose Aldo may have been temporarily interrupted, but his impact on the featherweight division will forever be remembered.
